Eielson Airmen recognized for volunteering

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Rachelle Coleman
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  More than 70 Icemen were recognized during the Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon here at the base chapel April 7.

Airmen, spouses and Department of Defense civilians were awarded with certificates by the Presidential Volunteer Service Award program for their contributions to the community in 2010. The program not only recognizes those who volunteer but encourages others to do the same. Together 1,602 volunteers from Eielson conducted more than 34,900 hours of work in the local community last year, breaking the record held by volunteers in 2009.

Each of the individuals recognized at the luncheon had more than 100 hours logged with the Airman and Family Readiness Center.

"We help link up on-base and local-community volunteer opportunities with the Eielson volunteer force," said Dick Hageman, 354th Force Support Squadron volunteer resource coordinator. "After people volunteer they can send their hours to me individually or some organizations track their hours and report them at the end of the month."

The Airman and Family Readiness Center also recognizes volunteers on a monthly basis for hours they have accumulated throughout the year; bronze level members volunteer 100 hours, silver 200 hours, and gold 400 hours or more.

"I volunteer because I like to give my time and put forth effort for other people to better their lives or lend a hand where I can. Anybody can just do their job but it's a big thing to put in extra time afterwards," said Staff Sgt. Carnelle Stradford, 354th Maintenance Squadron armament maintenance supervisor who was recognized at the luncheon.

Sergeant Stradford logged 240 volunteer hours in 2010 helping support Airmen Against Drunk Driving, the Arthritis Foundation, youth sports, and African American Heritage Committee events.

Some places with volunteer opportunities include the schools, Airman's Attic and Operation Warmheart on base. Common opportunities in the Fairbanks community include Big Brothers Big Sisters, Fairbanks Food Bank and Yukon Quest.

For more information about volunteer opportunities at Eielson, call the Airman and Family Readiness Center at 377-2178.